{ The Bible Speaks to our Condition A look at 1 Thess 1 Scripture reading: Acts 17:1-10

 Thessalonica was a large port city on the Aegean Sea in modern-day Greece  The city was full of pagan worshippers of idols and devotees of the full pantheon of Greek and Roman Gods  Thessalonica was loyal to Caesar and he granted them many privileges  As was his custom, Paul located the local Jewish Synagogue and taught Introduction

 Paul reasoned from the scriptures and explained how the Messiah had to suffer and die, then rise again  After explaining the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, he boldly declares  Acts 17:3 “…“This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ.”  Some of the Jews as well as devout who worshipped at the Synagogue were persuaded as well as some of the prominent women  These people joined Paul and Silas, and the Church in Thessalonica was formed  This message is being sent to the people from Paul after having to leave them sooner then he would have liked due to the upheaval of some of the other Jews Introduction

 Salutation (vs 1)  From: Vs 1a “Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,”  To: Vs 1b “To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:”  What: Vs 1c “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ”  Thankfulness (vs 2-4)  To God: “ 2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers,”  mindful of: “ 3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father,”  Election from God: “ 4 knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God.” Greetings and salutations (1Thess 1:1-4)

 How they have received the Gospel (vs 5-7)  Not only in word: “ 5 For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.”  They were now followers of Paul and his companions, and the Lord  Having received the word: “ 6 And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,”  They were now examples to those who believed  “ 7 so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe.” Reminding them of their condition (1 Thess 1:5-10)

 Their positive reputation (1 Thess 1:8-10)  They proclaimed the truth  “For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place…” (vs 8a)  Their faith was known so Paul didn’t need to say anything  “Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.” (vs 8b)  Others shared with Paul the good works of the Thessalonian brethren  “ 9 For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you,” (vs 9a)  “how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,” (vs 9b)  “ 10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come. “ (vs 10) Reminding them of their condition (1 Thess 1:5-10)

 Do we share the same love for brethren that Paul and those travelling with him had for the brethren in Thessalonica?  Are we thankful to God and mentioning brethren in our prayers?  Are we thankful for the example of faith, labor of love and patience of other brethren?  Have we received the Gospel in such a manner as to cause us to follow after Christ as these brethren did?  Are we living lives that are positive examples to others around us?  Do we have a reputation for speaking the truth?  Would others be able to proclaim good works by us?  Are we living each day waiting for our Lord to return Lessons for us today

 There is a lot we can learn from these 10 verses regarding God’s desire for our lives today  May we always look to his scripture for examples and patterns of how to live our lives  If we are finding we are not following the patterns identified in the Bible, may we all have the heart of those who read about this evening who were willing to turn from idols to the one true God  If there is anything we can do to help you live a life as an example of what God desires from His children on earth, make it known while we stand and sing Conclusion